Mohammed Shosanya
The Customs Area Controller, Eastern Marine Command, Comptroller Chika Dim, has emphasized the need for collaboration within the maritime sector to fortify marine security operations in the South-South region of Nigeria.
The CAC,who embarked on an official working visit recently,visited some maritime outstations, including Onne, Akwa Ibom, and Calabar, with stops at key strategic points along the way.
According to a press statement signed by the command Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Emmanuel Tangwa, on 3 June 2024, the primary objective of Comptroller Dim’s visit was to strengthen collaboration amongst agencies and evaluate the operational readiness of the Nigeria Customs Service in safeguarding the maritime domain.
“This endeavour shows the commitment of the Eastern Marine Command to ensuring effective operations and enhancing partnerships within its Area of Responsibility (AOR),” the statement reads.
At the Onne Outstation, where the tour kicked off, Comptroller Dim engaged officers in discussions regarding their pivotal role in maritime security.
During the meeting, he inspected the condition of their gunboat, emphasising the necessity for proper maintenance to optimise performance. “We’ve invested significantly in these assets, and we must uphold the highest standards of care,” he observed.
He stopped at the Onne Area II Command, where Comptroller Mohammed Babandede warmly received him. Both discussed ways to enhance collaboration between the two commands.
In a meeting at the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Ibaka, Comptroller Dim met with Captain Uche Aneke to explore avenues for deepening collaboration in the maritime domain.
He commended the efforts of the commanding officer and his team in maintaining security, as well as stressed the need for continuous partnership to ensure a safe and efficient maritime environment.
The tour ended with a visit to Comptroller Chukwudi Ogbonna of Akwa Ibom FTZ Calabar Command, where discussions centred on enhancing the presence and operations of the Eastern Marine Command in the Calabar area.
There,he inspected the Calabar EMC Jetty and revealed areas for improvement to optimise regional customs operations.
